Barosso criticised Russia's pressure tactics on Ukraine

The presidents of the European Council and the European Commission have criticised Russia for putting pressure on Ukraine to scrap plans for political and trade agreements with the European Union.

Herman Van Rompuy and José Manuel Barroso today issued a joint statement in which they condemned Russia's actions and praised the pro-EU demonstrators who have taken to the streets of Kiev, according to European Voice.

“It is up to Ukraine to freely decide what kind of engagement they seek with the European Union," the two men said. "We therefore strongly disapprove of the Russian position and actions."

Van Rompuy and Barroso insisted that the EU's offer to Ukraine was still on the table, adding that “we are convinced that signing the Association Agreement and a DCFTA [Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area], the most ambitious agreement the European Union has ever offered, provides the best possible support for Ukraine's economic situation, reform course and modernisation in view of building a prosperous and stable future for all Ukrainians.”

As reported, tens of thousands of people hold protests in Kyiv against the government’s decision to suspend signing the Association Agreement with the European Union.